MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a method of creating images of the inside of opaque organs in living organisms as well as detecting the amount of bound water in geological structures. MRI is primarily used to demonstrate pathological or other physiological alterations of living tissues and is a commonly used form of medical imaging. MRI is harmless to the human body as there is no radiation involved.

MRI PREP INSTRUCTIONS

Do you have a pacemaker, heart valve, aneurysm clip or cochlear implant? If yes, please inform us immediately!

Have you ever had brain, heart, eye, or ear surgery? If yes, please inform us immediately!

Do you have any metallic objects or implant devices? If yes, inform us immediately!

Have you ever been injured from metal slivers,shavings, or other metal objects in your eyes? If so, please notify a staff member so we can determine if you need an x-ray prior to MRI.

If you have a history of kidney disease or kidney failure and your exam is scheduled with contrast, please notify us so a technologist can determine whether contrast should be used.

If you are scheduled for an exam of the brain or cervical and you are severely claustrophobic, we recommend you contact your doctor for a possible sedative. If you do not have a prescribed medication for pain we recommend taking an over the counter medication to help (for example Tylenol or Ibuprofen).

If you are scheduled for an exam of the lumbar and have had back surgery, please notify us.

If your exam has been ordered with contrast that will require us to start an IV, please drink large amounts of water prior to your appointment.This allows your body to be adequately hydrated, potentially reducing the number of needle sticks.

Bring insurance card and your order if you were given one by your doctor.

Please bring a list of your medications.

If you are having an abdominal exam, please refrain from eating or drinking (except water) 4 hours before your exam.

Wear comfortable clothing, without any metal if possible and avoid wearing earrings, necklaces and hairpins.

Have you had any prior images taken on the area of interest? If so, please either bring them with you or let a staff member know so we can obtain the images and reports for comparison